Patents by Inventor William Otto

William Otto has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240126501
    Abstract: Mitigating latency in guiding a user, during an interaction between the user and a computing system, in selecting a subset of item(s), from a superset of candidate items, and causing performance of further action(s) based on the selected subset of item(s). In guiding a user in selecting the subset of items, various implementations enable the user to provide only spoken input(s) in selecting the subset of item(s), and provide visual output(s) that are responsive to the spoken input(s) and that guide the user in selecting the item(s). In some of those various implementations, there is not any (or there is only de minimis) audible spoken synthesized spoken output rendered by the computing system in guiding the user in selecting the subset of item(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Adrian Otto, William Byrne, Ashwin Ram
  • Patent number: 11068905
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques are disclosed for controlling access to a subscription. An example method includes receiving a set of capabilities of a downstream server and storing the set of capabilities in a distributor record. The distributor record is a representation of the downstream server and includes the set of capabilities and a set of subscriptions assigned to the distributor record. The method also includes receiving a request to assign a subscription to the distributor record. The subscription is subject to a licensing agreement. The method further includes determining, based on the set of capabilities, whether the downstream server has the capability to enforce the licensing agreement. The method also includes when the downstream server is determined to have the capability to enforce the licensing agreement, assigning the subscription to the distributor record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Red Hat, Inc.
    Inventors: William Otto Poteat, III, Devan Goodwin
  • Patent number: 10220727
    Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling a moveable object associated with a mobile platform are provided. The provided system and method generates an application specific protected volume between the moveable object and a feature of the mobile platform to be protected. The provided system and method use magnetic sensing techniques to sense the moveable object when it infringes upon the protected volume, and provide control of the moveable object responsive to sensed infringement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: William Otto, Alexander N. Ballios
  • Patent number: 10189377
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a first member and a second member located proximate to the first member. An adjustment system for adjustably positioning the first and second members of the seat assembly includes at least one positioning mechanism operatively connected to one or more of the first member and the second member and at least one actuator connected to the at least one positioning mechanism. A control assembly including a housing having a control region, one or more guide surfaces extending from the control region and one or more recessed areas cooperating with the one or more guide surfaces. At least one of the guide surfaces or recessed areas cooperates with at least one switch configured to send a first signal to a controller when a user activates the at least one switch. The controller is configured to generate an activation signal to activate the at least one actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeff E. Nasca, Daniel W. Booth, William Otto, Leigh A. Berger, Scott D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20180111509
    Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling a moveable object associated with a mobile platform are provided. The provided system and method generates an application specific protected volume between the moveable object and a feature of the mobile platform to be protected. The provided system and method use magnetic sensing techniques to sense the moveable object when it infringes upon the protected volume, and provide control of the moveable object responsive to sensed infringement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: WILLIAM OTTO, ALEXANDER N. BALLIOS
  • Publication number: 20180105069
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a first member and a second member located proximate to the first member. An adjustment system for adjustably positioning the first and second members of the seat assembly includes at least one positioning mechanism operatively connected to one or more of the first member and the second member and at least one actuator connected to the at least one positioning mechanism. A control assembly including a housing having a control region, one or more guide surfaces extending from the control region and one or more recessed areas cooperating with the one or more guide surfaces. At least one of the guide surfaces or recessed areas cooperates with at least one switch configured to send a first signal to a controller when a user activates the at least one switch. The controller is configured to generate an activation signal to activate the at least one actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jeff E. Nasca, Daniel W. Booth, William Otto, Leigh A. Berger, Scott D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9834961
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling vehicle locks is provided that enable control of both a vehicle door lock and a vehicle closure lock using a single multipurpose switch. The system includes a vehicle door lock, a vehicle closure lock, a momentary, multi-purpose switch, and a control module. The control module receives an input signal generated by actuation of the switch and determines an elapsed time between the actuation and release of the switch. The module generates a closure lock control signal if the elapsed time meets a predetermined requirement relative to a predetermined time. The closure lock control signal unlocks the closure lock. The module also generates a door lock control signal responsive to the input signal if one or more predetermined conditions are met. The door lock control signal switches the state of the door lock between locked and unlocked states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Marcelo V. Lazarini, William Otto
  • Patent number: 9663220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for locking a control lever are provided. One system includes a locking device having a body configured to couple to a control lever within an aircraft to prevent the control lever from moving. The locking device also includes at least one hole defined through the body. The one hole is configured to receive one of a lock or a tag therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Giumaa Milad, Edward M. Hojnacki, William Otto Zschoche
  • Publication number: 20170052666
    Abstract: A method for providing customized infotainment options to a vehicle user. The method includes receiving, by a system having a processor, using a data mining module of a learning interface, and from a control panel, a first control signal including an information data set. The method also includes storing, by the system, using the mining module, the information data set to a memory, and identifying, by the system, using the mining module, reoccurring data segments of the information data set. The method further includes generating, by the system, using the mining module, a preference data set including the reoccurring data segments, and processing, by the system, using an adaptive module of the interface, the preference data set, yielding option data. And the method includes sending, by the system, using the adaptive module, via a second control signal, the option data to the control panel for presentation to the vehicle user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION LLC
    Inventors: Peggy Wang, Jianfeng Wang, William Otto
  • Publication number: 20160376818
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling vehicle locks is provided that enable control of both a vehicle door lock and a vehicle closure lock using a single multipurpose switch. The system includes a vehicle door lock, a vehicle closure lock, a momentary, multi-purpose switch, and a control module. The control module receives an input signal generated by actuation of the switch and determines an elapsed time between the actuation and release of the switch. The module generates a closure lock control signal if the elapsed time meets a predetermined requirement relative to a predetermined time. The closure lock control signal unlocks the closure lock. The module also generates a door lock control signal responsive to the input signal if one or more predetermined conditions are met. The door lock control signal switches the state of the door lock between locked and unlocked states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Marcelo V. Lazarini, William Otto
  • Patent number: 9273867
    Abstract: An integrated retractable burner ignition system including a burner having an outlet face and a flow passage including a front end substantially coincident with the outlet face of the burner and a gas inlet positioned rearward from the front end of the flow passage, an igniter including a high voltage electrode surrounded by an insulator and extending beyond the insulator to form a tip end of the igniter, the igniter being mounted slidably within the flow passage, an actuator connected to a rear portion of the igniter and configured to advance and retract the igniter within the flow passage, and a slidable seal between the igniter and the flow passage, the seal being positioned rearward of the gas inlet of the flow passage and frontward of the rear portion of the igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael David Buzinski, Shailesh Pradeep Gangoli, William Otto Litrenta, Reed Jacob Hendershot, Larry Saul Zelson
  • Publication number: 20150278825
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques are disclosed for controlling access to a subscription. An example method includes receiving a set of capabilities of a downstream server and storing the set of capabilities in a distributor record. The distributor record is a representation of the downstream server and includes the set of capabilities and a set of subscriptions assigned to the distributor record. The method also includes receiving a request to assign a subscription to the distributor record. The subscription is subject to a licensing agreement. The method further includes determining, based on the set of capabilities, whether the downstream server has the capability to enforce the licensing agreement. The method also includes when the downstream server is determined to have the capability to enforce the licensing agreement, assigning the subscription to the distributor record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Red Hat, Inc.
    Inventors: William Otto Poteat, III, Devan Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20150246723
    Abstract: Systems and methods for locking a control lever are provided. One system includes a locking device having a body configured to couple to a control lever within an aircraft to prevent the control lever from moving. The locking device also includes at least one hole defined through the body. The one hole is configured to receive one of a lock or a tag therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Giumaa Milad, Edward M. Hojnacki, William Otto Zschoche
  • Publication number: 20140220499
    Abstract: An integrated retractable burner ignition system including a burner having an outlet face and a flow passage including a front end substantially coincident with the outlet face of the burner and a gas inlet positioned rearward from the front end of the flow passage, an igniter including a high voltage electrode surrounded by an insulator and extending beyond the insulator to form a tip end of the igniter, the igniter being mounted slidably within the flow passage, an actuator connected to a rear portion of the igniter and configured to advance and retract the igniter within the flow passage, and a slidable seal between the igniter and the flow passage, the seal being positioned rearward of the gas inlet of the flow passage and frontward of the rear portion of the igniter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael David Buzinski, Shailesh Pradeep Gangoli, William Otto Litrenta, Reed Jacob Hendershot, Larry Saul Zelson
  • Publication number: 20130048279
    Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a well above the formation; a mechanism to inject an enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation, the enhanced oil recovery formulation comprising water and an additive; and a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Matthias Appel, Subhash Chandra Bose Ayirala, Amy L.O. Blackwell, Carolus Petrus Adrianus Blom, Zheyi Chen, Ralf Hedden, Andreas Nicholas Matzakos, Ernesto Uehara-Nagamine, William Otto Mickelson
  • Publication number: 20100064146
    Abstract: A power system, which can comprise multiple power subsystems (e.g., one or more power converters sources, etc.) delivers one or more rails of power to a system. The performance of a power system is thermally limited and depends on the different components' specifications. A power system design tool that dynamically generates constraints based on design specifications and power system configurations allows for robust and intelligent validation of a power system design. The power system design tool that allows for robust and intelligent validation of a design facilitates thorough designs that account for numerous factors that can affect a power system. Further, a power system design tool that generates a configuration file in accordance with a validated design, allows for efficient and automatic configuring of a configurable component of a power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Integral Wave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Boles, Jonathan Cassorla, William Otto Tschumy, III
  • Patent number: 6896581
    Abstract: Hands Free Breast Pump Bra comprises a side bra opening with circular opening at the center for easy inserting and securing the suction cup in place while also supporting a woman's breast. A bra comprises cotton, elastic cloth, and nylon with or without underwire. The Hands Free Breast Pump Bra is designed to provide a hands free experience for nursing mothers to perform other tasks while using a breast pump device. This is a special time in a woman's life and it will be important to have a comfortable nursing bra. As a result, there exists a need for a hands free breast pump bra that will make life easier for the nursing mother while expressing milk for her newborn. Furthermore, there exists a need for such bra that is washable, practical, which can be worn outside the home with an areola cup, convenient for pumping when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Featherlift Limited
    Inventor: David William Otto
  • Publication number: 20030224698
    Abstract: A breast cup comprising a lower most cup panel of a flexible material having an upper joining edge of a predetermined curvature, and an intermediate cup panel of a flexible material having a upper joining edge of a predetermined curvature, and a lower joining edge secured to the upper joining edge of the lower most cup panel, and an upper cup panel of a flexible material having a lower joining edge secured to the upper joining edge of the intermediate cup panel, wherein the lower joining edge of the intermediate panel is of a length to be co-terminus with the upper joining edge of the lower most panel, and wherein the lower joining edge of the upper panel is of a length to be co-terminus with the upper joining edge of the intermediate panel, and wherein the three dimensional cup form formed by the panels and the seams of the joining edges, includes an inner region and outer perimeter line wherein the seam of the joining edges of the lower panel with the intermediate panel starts as a first point at the inner
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: David William Otto
  • Patent number: 6637092
    Abstract: A machine (200) for winding a strip of material (212) into a helical pipe wherein adjacent convolutions of the strip (212) are interlocked. The machine comprises: a frame (220) having circumferentially spaced supports in the form of rollers (266, 276, 278, 286, 288, 296 and 298) adapted to bear against the inner periphery of the pipe being wound, the outer peripheral surfaces of the rollers forming a helical path for the strip (212) and along which the strip (212) is directed when the machine (200) is in use; driving rollers (224) mounted to the frame (220) for driving the strip (212) around the outside of the rollers so as to follow the helical path and cause the adjacent edges the strip (212) to interlock; and drive means (226) mounted to the frame for driving the driving rollers (224). The driving rollers (224) and the drive means are located wholly inside of the path formed by the rollers and no part of the machine (200) engages the outer periphery of the pipe being wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Rib Loc Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Stanley William Otto Menzel
  • Patent number: 5860132
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for dispersing storage of a plurality of related and unrelated data items on a plurality of removable recordable media instances (RMIs). A first storage device is provided for storing a data item on a qualifying related RMI, the qualifying related RMI having one or more related data items stored on it and having sufficient actual storage space remaining for storing the data. A multiplier device is connected to the first storage device for multiplying the actual size of a data item, which is not stored by the first storage device because there is no qualifying related RMI, by a factor greater than one, to produce reserved storage space data which characterizes any other RMI that actually stores the data item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Neil Carter, Howard Alan Disney, Kevin Scott Goldsmith, William Otto Vomaska